3D blows 2D packages away. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Trouble is if you have licences for Acad etc.
I use a package called Solid Edge here at work, most of our stuff is fairly complex engineering, and it's absolutely brilliant at that, especially when you have to show things to people to help them visualise the "real" thing.
One avenue you might explore is getting a demo package. I'm fairly certain if you speak to people such as Solid Edge or Solid Works, they will give you a demo copy in the hope that you might migrate all your stuff over to them.
However, you WILL need training. Drawing in 2D is fairly intuitive, 3D initially takes a while to get your head round.
If I can help you more, or you would like to see some 3D files, drop me a U2U.
Hope this helps
